NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution announced today that NBC's networks will have cable and broadcast rights to all eight Harry Potter films, starting in 2018 and running for seven years. Warner-owned HBO will get first-run rights to the three Fantastic Beasts films, but after that run, the rights go to NBCUniversal for the remainder of the deal.
That means the Harry Potter films soon will disappear from Disney-owned Freeform and other ABC networks, which have owned the TV rights to the franchise up until now.
What does this have to do with theme parks? Universal long ago wrapped up the rights to develop attractions based upon J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, which now are welcoming millions of new guests to Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan. But today's deal also includes "a range of new opportunities including fan events, movie screenings and promotional activities tied to the 'Harry Potter' franchise and the upcoming 'Fantastic Beasts' film series," according to NBCUniversal's press release.
Universal Orlando has been offering its "Celebration of Harry Potter" fan event in January for the past two years. But the Potter fanbase's appetite so far appears nearly insatiable, giving Universal's theme parks plenty of opportunities to further develop their Wizarding World platforms to host special events that will keep the parks filled throughout the year. So let's hear the wish list. What fan events would you like to see Universal add to your nearest Wizarding World?
Perhaps not coincidentally, rumors have been flying around Universal Orlando that Islands of Adventure might be about to close its Boliger & Mabillard Inverted Dragon Challenge roller coasters at the end of the summer, in order to redevelop that space for a "Fantastic Beasts"-themed thrill ride. With Universal no longer dispatching the two coasters so that they can "duel," due to past incidents where riders' belongings flew off one train toward riders on the other, the ride simply hasn't enjoyed the popularity it did back in the day when it was the non-Potter-themed Dueling Dragons. Universal hasn't bothered replicating Dragon Challenge in either of its additional Hogsmeade lands (in Japan and Hollywood) to pretty much zero complaints, further illustrating the ride's lack of appeal to the Potter fan base.
Universal Orlando opened Hogsmeade in 2010 and Diagon Alley in 2014, so if you're into patterns, 2018 would be the target for the next Potter-themed attraction to open at the resort. And that just so happens to be the year that the second Fantastic Beast film hits theaters. Interesting....
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One track should have been red, with red and gold trains, and the other track should have been green, with green and silver trains. If they can still do this, ensure all riders get rid of loose belongings (as they do near me at Chimelong Paradise), and perhaps add on-ride audio with some good HP music - it could work. But dragons are hardly a big part of Harry Potter lore. Dueling Houses would have worked so much better.
I love a good roller coaster, so I'd like to see it upgraded and for them to find a way to make it work. However, if they tear it down, I'd like to see a dark roller coaster like Mummy in its place. There's a lot they can do, and I trust them.
I'm still a little sad to think Universal will be down a roller coaster. Well, getting rid of Rip Ride Rock It wouldn't make me sad. But this one has potential.
Food for thought!
A third major Harry Potter ride themed to Fantastic Beasts sounds terrific.
The coasters help balance the park. I would be mad if they took out two thrill rides for a family one based on something that has not even came out yet.
I want the Jurassic park flying coaster if they take dragons out. Seems like bad timing as Game of Thrones is so hot right now
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